Flag display a sense of pride for Midwest City man

By Jonathan Jackson
Midwest City Beacon

A Midwest City man proudly flies the American flag outside his home.

But the stars and stripes don’t fly alone.

In addition to the American flag, Gary Helberg displays a variety of specialty flags at his home on Sunvalley Dr., in an effort to raise awareness, inform and educate pedestrians and others in the area.

Helberg installed a flagpole in his front yard to fly specialty flags that fly on days of importance. They include the POW/MIA flag, Citizen Potawatomi Nation, and several historical American flags.

The project was started nearly a year ago, with the American flag.

His military service helped strengthen his pride in the flag. Helberg served in the U.S. Marine Corps as well as the United States Army as Military Police. He always believed in taking pride and respecting the flag and often served on “flag detail” overseas while in the military.

“When we fly any flag, we should make sure we do it with effort. The flags should be treated with respect, and we should do it with pride, or not fly it at all.” Helberg said.

He hopes to inspire others to take care of the flag and fly the flag with pride and respect.

Helberg has been in communication with the local Midwest City Rotary Club, in efforts to get as many people on board to continue to spread awareness and show our respect to the flag, especially just in time for Flag Day and Independence Day.